Standards of kitchen design have changed so much in the last few decades, from the popularity of bright colors and unique patterns to sleek lines and natural materials, and everything in-between. If your kitchen is reminiscent of another decade, or even another century, since many homeowners leave off remodeling for as long as possible, it’s time for a modern luxury kitchen design.
While retro-looking kitchens and trends of the past can and do inspire modern designs, kitchens that have not been updated in many decades can date the overall look and feel of a home.
Kitchens that are still in place from another era are usually small, dated, or lack the modern function required of a kitchen to bring the family together, entertain, and cook and serve without interruption.
Stainless Steel Appliances
Modern kitchens often feature the latest and greatest appliances, not only for the gorgeous aesthetic they provide but also for their energy efficiency and enhanced functionality.
Stainless steel refrigerators, ovens, toasters, and microwaves are typically durable, easy to clean, and look great with any color scheme.
Glossy White Kitchens
One of the largest kitchen trends to come out of the last decade is the modern, glossy kitchen. White cabinets and countertops offer a sleek, modern look and the glossy surface finish makes the kitchen easier to clean.
A white kitchen is the perfect way to pair bright colored accents, interesting patterns, or personal touches while keeping the space modern and chic.
Industrial Accents
Industrial kitchen design has risen in popularity as more people incorporate building materials typically found in warehouses or factories into the aesthetic of their homes.
Elements such as reclaimed wood, iron, brick, concrete, and steel give the kitchen an ultra-modern industrial feel and are easy to incorporate into the space with lighting, hardware, barstools, and other design elements. An open floorplan and stark colors such as black, gray, and white are common elements of industrial kitchen design.
Durable Flooring
One of the most important elements of a modern kitchen is style combined with durability. Hardwood, tile, and stone flooring are some of the best options for durable floors that offer a modern look and can endure kitchen wear and tear.
Hardwood floors are both a classic for kitchen flooring and a modern staple of design. They come in all types of natural woods and offer gorgeous colors from light browns and yellows to rich mahogany or deep browns.
Likewise, tile comes in almost unlimited styles, colors, and options and is easy to clean which is perfect for kitchens that see regular use and abuse.
Quartz & Granite Countertops
A staple of modern kitchens are high-quality materials, including gorgeous stone countertops for plenty of cooking, prep, and eating space. Granite and quartz are two of the most common high-end countertop materials.
Granite is a durable countertop material that comes in many colors and styles and is sure to look gorgeous in any space. Quartz is a slightly softer stone, but may be more affordable, depending on the style you select. Select a durable, beautiful, and easy to clean countertop to create a luxurious, modern kitchen.
Natural Wood Cabinets
Cabinets made from solid wood are the norm for modern kitchens. Most homeowners prefer cabinets in white or other natural wood colors, though others do choose black or gray.
Natural wood cabinets are more durable than man made materials, look beautiful, and can last for decades if cared for properly.
Kitchen Islands & Peninsulas
It seems like every kitchen nowadays has a kitchen island due to their usefulness and style in the kitchen. From integrating living, cooking, and dining to adding extra storage or prep space, islands and peninsulas are the perfect addition when remodeling a kitchen.
Since it’s easy to add barstools to islands and peninsulas, they are great for entertaining guests, having people over for holidays or celebration, and family meals.
Integrated Appliances
Modern luxury kitchen design includes a streamlined approach to appliances. Typically, the refrigerator, microwave, and oven appliances are all flush with the cabinets and countertops.
Occasionally, the appliance may be built into the cabinet design instead of off to the side by itself, as in the case with microwaves and toaster overs that set above eye level. Integrated appliances allow for a sleek aesthetic that designers and homeowners alike expect in modern kitchens.
Exposed Exhaust Hood
The addition of the large, exposed kitchen exhaust hood is an element of industrial kitchen design that borrows from large scale restaurant and cooking operations. The exposed exhaust hood provides better ventilation for cooking and serves as a focal point in the room.
The oversized and exposed exhaust hood gives the kitchen a modern, upscale look that is suggestive of serious cooking–even if you tend to order takeout more than you whip up gourmet family dinners.
Tile & Stone Backsplashes
For a simple way to add style and visual interest that complements the rest of your modern luxury kitchen design consider installing a tile or stone backsplash.
From attractive subway tile, colorful tile in different shapes, to slate or more traditional looking stone, there are many options to choose from. Backsplashes are typically easy to clean and have a function in the kitchen since they help prevent water damage, splashes, and spills on walls.
Two Tone Kitchen Colors
Creating a theme or design that centers around two colors in the kitchen is a simple way to create a modern luxury kitchen design. Typically, two tone kitchens feature neutral colors or muted versions of brighter colors that are balanced by a more neutral tone.
Consider pairing black, white, gray, beige, or other neutral colors with each other or another color that fits the overall design theme of your home.
Plenty of Cabinet Storage
Modern luxury kitchen design includes plenty of storage space provided by gorgeous cabinets. Updated kitchens may have counter to ceiling cabinets, cabinets along multiple walls, or even feature custom inserts and cabinet setups.
Take advantage of odd spaces to add cabinet storage, such as above the stainless exhaust hood or below the sink and stove. Drawers and cabinets throughout the kitchen enhance the value and usefulness of the space and means you don’t need an additional pantry for storage.
Pendant & Inset Light Fixtures
The right light fixtures can completely transform the look of your space and help create a modern luxury kitchen design with unique style and flair.
Pendant and inset lights are an easy way to add brightness to the space, change the look of your kitchen without completely renovating, and are usually adjustable.
Minimalistic Knobs & Pulls
Modern cabinets have the option of no handles or knobs as well as unlimited options for hardware that matches the rest of your design.
Pulls and knobs come in every style and color, from black metal, polished brass or bronze, natural wood, chic white and almost every other configuration you can imagine. Additionally, many modern luxury kitchen designs feature cabinets with no pulls or knobs at all and are easily openable without hardware.
Open Floor Plans
Almost every modern luxury kitchen design features an open floor plan with plenty of space to prevent the kitchen from feeling too closed in or claustrophobic.
To keep the space open, get rid of any non-load bearing walls that separating living, dining, and cooking space. Even if you cannot completely open the space, it is a great idea to create a wall cut out or remove the wall that has a door into the kitchen to establish a more open floorplan and create the illusion of more space.
Natural Light & Windows
Brighten your kitchen with plenty of natural light–either from windows in the kitchen or from those located nearby in the home. You may even want to think about installing skylights to create a bright space that has an element of nature and prevents the kitchen from becoming too dark or feeling closed in.
Natural light is stronger in south-facing windows, but if that is not possible for your kichen then consider installing a larger window or mirrors to catch and redistribute light in the space.
Contact Us
Do you want to modernize your outdated kitchen? Contact the experts at Kitchen Design Center in Fairfax, VA to help you create a modern luxury kitchen design. Call us at 703-244-1220, send us an email at [email protected] or visit our local showroom at 11217 Lee Highway Unit E, Fairfax VA.
